Refrigerator filter: what it looks like, where it is located and how to distinguish it from other parts

When it comes to filters in a refrigerator, many people imagine something abstract - “a box somewhere inside.” In fact, these elements have a very specific appearance, location and even color markings, which differ depending on the type and brand. For example, carbon filter to neutralize odors, it is most often black and cylindrical, and antibacterial can be white or gray with perforation. But how not to confuse them with other parts - for example, with desiccant or ionizer?

In this article we will analyze visual differences between refrigerator filters by brand and model, show real photos (including rare options for embedded systems), and also explain why the filter No Frost may look different than in drip refrigerators. You will learn where exactly to look for a filter in your model - be it Samsung RB37 with a freshness zone or Atlant XM 4026 with mechanical control.

Spoiler: If you've never seen your refrigerator's filter, it's most likely hidden behind the back wall of the freezer or in the top corner of the main compartment - but there are exceptions. Next, you will find a detailed analysis with visual cues and warnings about common errors when searching.

1. The main types of refrigerator filters and their appearance

Filters in refrigerators are divided into three main categories, each of which has unique visual features. Knowing these features will help not to confuse them with other elements of the system (for example, with fan or defrost heater).

Firstly, carbon filters —the most common. They are usually:

• 🟢 Cylindrical or rectangular box black (less often dark gray).
• 🔍 Perforated surface with small holes for circulation air.
• 📏 Dimensions: from 5×5 cm (compact models) to 15×10 cm (large refrigerators with a system Twin Cooling).
• 🔄 Service life: markings are often applied on the body REPLACE EVERY 6 MONTHS or similar.

Secondly, antibacterial filters (sometimes called "biofilters") Their key features:

• ⚪ White or light gray body (sometimes with bluish tint).
• 🦠 Inscriptions like ANTI-BACTERIAL, NANO SILVER or PLASMA.
• 🌀 Ribbed or cellular structure - this increases the area of contact with air.
• 🩺 Localization: most often installed next to the fan or on the ceiling of the main chamber.

Thirdly, combination filters (coal + antibacterial layer gives them away:

• 🎨 Two-color body (for example, black bottom + white top).
• 🔖 Double marking: CHARCOAL + ANTIBACTERIAL.
• 💰 Higher price —such filters are found in premium models (Liebherr, Miele).

2. Where is the filter: search instructions for different brands

The location of the filter depends on type of cooling system i brandFor example, in refrigerators No Frost the filter is almost always hidden behind the back wall. freezer compartment, and in drip models it can be mounted on the ceiling of the main compartment. Below we will look at 5 most common locations examples for popular brands.

1. Behind the back wall of the freezer (typical for Samsung, LG, Bosch s No Frost):

• ❄️ The filter is hidden behind a plastic panel, which is removed after turning off the refrigerator.
• 🔧 Fastened with latches or screws (sometimes a Phillips screwdriver is required).
• 📌 Example: in Samsung RB37J5230SS the filter is located at the top right of the freezer, has a black cylindrical body with the inscription DEODORIZING FILTER.

2. On the ceiling of the main chamber (typical for Atlant, Indesit, Beko):

• ☁️ The filter is visible immediately when you open the door, attached to clips.
• 🔄 Often combined with desiccant (white square block).
• 📌 Example: in Atlant XM 4026-000 the filter is a white plastic box measuring 10x10 cm with holes on the sides.

3. Inside the air duct (found in Liebherr, Electrolux with the system AirFlow):

• 🌀 It is necessary to remove the air duct grille (usually at the top of the refrigerator).
• ⚠️ The filter can be integrated into the system circulation - not to be confused with a fan!
• 📌 Example: in Electrolux ENN2854AOW the filter looks like a black cylinder with a silver mesh.

4. Behind the vegetable drawer (rare, but found in Gorenje, Whirlpool):

• 🥬 The filter is hidden under a plastic panel at the bottom of the refrigerator.
• 🔍 Often has rectangular shape and is attached with Velcro.

5. In the refrigerator door (only in models with freshness zone, for example, Panasonic NR-BN30):

• 🚪 The filter is built into the door body, accessible after removing the inner panel.
• 💡 It has flat shape and is often combined with an ionizer.

Unplug the refrigerator

Remove all shelves and drawers for free access

Check the back wall freezer compartment (for No Frost)

Inspect the ceiling of the main chamber (for drip models)

Look for black or white boxes with perforations -->

What to do if the filter is not found?

If you have examined all the typical places, but the filter no, there are three possible reasons:

1. Your model is not equipped with a filter (for example, budget Birusa or old ZIL).

2. The filter is integrated into the cooling system and cannot be replaced (typical for some Haier i Hisense).

3. The filter is hidden under a non-removable panel —in this case, disassembly will be required (it is better to contact the service).

3 How to distinguish the refrigerator filter from other parts: visual. comparison

One of the most common questions: “How not to confuse the filter with desiccant, ionizer or fan?" Indeed, these elements are similar in appearance, but each has unique features. Below is a comparison table and photo tips.

🔍 Simple test: if The part smells like coal upon close inspection is a filter. If it emits faint chemical smell (for example, ozone) - most likely it is an ionizer. Desiccant looks like a bag of salt, and fan has blades and is connected to wires.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Side-by-Side (for example, Samsung RS68A8840) there may be two filters: one for the refrigerator compartment, the other for the freezer. They look the same, but have different markings (FRIDGE i FREEZER). Do not confuse them when replacing!

4. Photos of refrigerator filters by popular brands

To make the search easier, we have collected visual examples filters for the most common brands. Pay attention to the shape, color and location - this will help you quickly identify the part in your model.

Samsung (series RB, RT, RS):

• 📷 Appearance: Black cylinder with a silver stripe, size ~12×5 see
• 📍 Location: Behind the back wall of the freezer (right or left).
• 🔖 Marking: DA29-00020B (universal code for most models).

LG (series GC, GB):

• 📷 Appearance: Rectangular black block with round holes.
• 📍 Location: On the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment (under the plastic cover).
• 🔖 Marking: 5231JA2006A or ADQ73211901.

Atlant (series HM, MHM):

• 📷 Appearance: White plastic square 10×10 cm with fine perforation.
• 📍 Location: On the ceiling of the main chamber (attached with latches).
• 🔖 Marking: Often without a code - just an inscription FILTER.

Indesit (series C, T):

• 📷 Appearance: Gray oval block with slots on the sides.
• 📍 Location: Behind the vegetable drawer (under the plastic panel).
• 🔖 Marking: C00338963.

Liebherr (series CN, CP):

• 📷 Appearance: Black cylinder with metal mesh, size ~15×6 cm.
• 📍 Location: Inside the air duct (requires removing the grille).
• 🔖 Marking: 9670431 (for models with BioFresh).

5. When the refrigerator filter requires replacement: visual signs

Manufacturers recommend changing filters. every 6–12 months, but in practice the period depends on the intensity of use of the refrigerator. There are 5 visual signsthat it is time to replace the filter:

1. Color change:

• 🟤 The black carbon filter turns gray or brown (this means that the pores are clogged with grease and food particles).
• 🟡 The antibacterial filter may turn yellow - this is a signal of bacteria accumulation.

2. The appearance of mold or. plaque:

• 🍄 Black dots or white fluffy plaque are visible on the surface of the filter.
• 🚫 This is dangerous: mold can spread to the food!

3. Deformation of the housing:

• 🔳 Filter swollen, cracked or lost its shape (especially important for desiccants).

4. Unpleasant odor:

• 👃 Upon close inspection, the filter emits a musty, sour or chemical odor.
• ⚠️ If the smell is felt even when the door is closed, the filter has long lost its effectiveness.

5. Mechanical damage:

• 🔧 Cracks, chips or chipped fragments (often occurs due to careless installation).

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator equipped electronic filter sensor (for example, Samsung Family Hub), a notification will appear on the display Replace FilterYou should not ignore it: a used filter increases the load on the compressor. and increases energy consumption by up to 15%.

6. How to properly remove and install the filter: step-by-step instructions

Replacing the filter is a simple procedure, but there is one. nuances that depend on type of fastening. Below are universal instructions taking into account the characteristics of different brands.

Step 1. Preparation:

• ⚡ Unplug the refrigerator (required!) data-i="294">🧊 Remove all products from the chamber where the filter is located.
• 🧊 Remove all products from the chamber where the filter is located.
• 📸 Take a photo of the current location of the filter - this will help with reinstallation.

Step 2. Removing the old filter:

• 🔧 Latches: Press the side clips and pull the filter towards you (typical for Atlant i Indesit).
• 🔩 Screws: Unscrew the fastenings with a Phillips screwdriver (found in Liebherr i Miele).
• 🧲 Magnets: Simply pull the filter down (for example, in Samsung with the system Twin Cooling).

Step 3. Installing a new filter:

• 📋 Compare the new filter with the old one - they should match in size and form.
• 🔄 Insert the filter into the grooves until it clicks (or secure with screws).
• ✅ Make sure that the filter sits tightly and does not wobble.

Step 4. Check:

• ⚡ Turn on the refrigerator and check if extraneous noise (for example, filter rattling).
• 👃 After 2-3 hours, check whether the unpleasant odor has disappeared.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with a system No Frost after replacing the filter, the compressor operating time may temporarily increase (up to 12 hours). This is normal: the system “gets used” to the new one. air resistance. If the noise does not disappear after a day, check the correct installation.

7. Common mistakes when searching and replacing the filter

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to improper operation of the filter or even breakage of the refrigerator. Here TOP-5 errors and how to avoid them:

1. desiccant:

• 💧 Consequences: The desiccant does not require replacement - it is enough to rinse and dry it. If you throw it away, condensation will accumulate in the refrigerator.
• 🔍 How to distinguish: The desiccant is usually white, soft to the touch and located at the bottom of the chamber.

2. Install the filter on the wrong side:

• 🌀 Consequences: The filter will not work, and the fan may become clogged.
• 📌 How to do it correctly: There is an arrow on the filter housing AIR FLOW — it should be directed towards the fan.

3. They use non-original filters:

• 🚫 Consequences: Cheap analogues may not be suitable in size or material, which leads to compressor overheating.
• 🛒 Recommendation: Buy filters with manufacturer's markings (for example, DA29-00020B for Samsung).

4. Do not clean installation location:

• 🧹 Consequences: Dust and grease on the seat reduce the service life of the new filter.
• 🧼 How to clean: Wipe the installation area with a damp cloth with soapy water, then dry.

5. They forget to reset the replacement indicator:

• 🔄 Consequences: An error will appear on the display, even if the filter is new.
• 📱 How reset: In most models you need to press and hold the button Filter Reset 3-5 seconds.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about refrigerator filters

Can the filter be washed and reused?

❌ Carbon filters You cannot wash it - water destroys the structure of the carbon, and it loses its absorbing properties. They can only be dry (if they get wet) or replaced.

✅ Antibacterial filters some brands (for example Panasonic) can be washed under running water without detergents products, but not more than once every 3 months.

⚠️ Desiccants (if removable) are washed in soapy water and dried on a radiator.

What will happen if you do not change filter for years?

🦠 Bacterial proliferation: An old filter becomes a breeding ground for mold and microbes that end up on food.

💨 Poor circulation air: A clogged filter causes the fan to wear out, which leads to motor overheating.

💰 Increased energy consumption: The refrigerator spends up to 20% more electricity trying to maintain the temperature.

👃 Persistent unpleasant odor: It cannot be eliminated even by general cleaning.

How to check if the filter is working?

🧪 Vinegar test: Place an open container with vinegar in the refrigerator for 1 hour. If the smell disappears after 2-3 hours, the filter is working. If not, it's time to change it.

📉 Humidity control: In refrigerators with a humidity sensor (for example, Liebherr BioFresh), check the readings before and after replacing the filter. The difference should be noticeable.

👂 Fan noise: If after replacing the filter the fan becomes quieter, it means that the old filter was interfering with air exchange.

Where to buy a filter for an old refrigerator (for example, ZIL or Minsk)?

🛒 Options:

• 🔧 Service centers: Contact refrigerator repair shops - they often have stocks of old parts.
• 🌍 Internet sites: Check Avito, Yula or specialized forums (for example, MasterGrad).
• 🔄 Universal analogues: Suitable for Soviet refrigerators carbon filters for hoods (must be selected according to size).

⚠️ Important: Before purchasing, compare dimensions and mounting type the old filter with the new one!

Is it possible to make a filter for the refrigerator with your own hands?

✅ Yes, but with reservations:

• 🧂 Desiccant: Can be replaced a bag of silica gel (balls from shoe boxes).
• ⚫ Carbon filter: Activated carbon from a pharmacy, wrapped in gauze, is suitable, but it needs to be changed every 2-3 months.
• 🦠 Antibacterial effect: You can use wipes with silver ions, but they are less effective than factory filters.

❌ Not recommended: Homemade filters will not provide the same level of cleaning as the original ones, and may clog the ventilation system.